More Freemasonry in Iraq

Now of a NY flavor

Dan Walther made sure he would return to Iraq armed with the proper equipment.

But Walther, a major in an Army National Guard unit based at the Connecticut Street Armory, didn't push for armored Humvees.

Instead, he obtained aprons, jewels, gavels, marble sounding blocks and an altar - the objects he needs to open a Masonic lodge at Forward Operating Base Speicher, where he has been stationed for the past year.

A third-generation Mason, Walther joined Master Builder Masonic Lodge 911 in Kenmore when he was 21, eventually serving as the lodge's master. Now 46, the Town of Tonawanda resident is returning to his base just north of Tikrit after a 15-day leave. He rejoined the National Guard's Engineer Brigade, 32nd Infantry Division, and will serve as the master of Land, Sea and Air Masonic Lodge 1, the only Masonic lodge in Iraq.

while some other lodges have worked in Iraq under a UD (under dispensation) state this one seems to be meeting physically as a perminent body

Edward R. Trosin, grand master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, granted the new lodge full dispensation, allowing its officers to induct new members. In addition, New York's Masonic War Veterans provided Walther with the supplies he needed at no cost, Walther said.

The Masons' tightknit relationships should attract new members from the base, Walther said.

"We all look for the opportunity to meet with those who have the same beliefs, who share the same likes and dislikes and enjoy the camaraderie and the values the organization teaches," he said.

Hopefully we may see some Iraqi Lodges

because a secular body which teaches the fraternal comradship of all men is vital for that area